What’s On TV Tonight, And How Not To Lose Your Money Gamblin’

Welcome to SportsGrid’s new, daily feature, where we tell you what sports are on TV tonight. Then, I do my best to help you win some money while watching. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing, and gambling is legal in your jurisdiction. Feel free to tweet hateful things at me if my advice moves you to do so. TV games are often the toughest games to find an edge on, so don’t go crazy, people. If I do recommend a bet, I’ll keep track of it, so you can tell me how awful (or wonderful?) I am. For record-keeping, we’ll assume a standard bet is $10. Occasionally, there will be 2x or 3x bets, maybe 4 or 5 if I’m feeling spunky. Good luck, America!

NHL: Kings (+129) at Blackhawks (-133) (8:00 p.m., NBCSN)

The Kings started off slow, and Jonathan Quick was shaky. Quick’s numbers are still mediocre, but he’s improved and the team has gotten back to its top-tier status. Their offense will struggle at times (they’re currently mired in a 126+ minute scoring drought), but they’re again a legitimate Cup contender. They’re just 5-8-1 on the road, but one could argue that’s a motivation problem. They’ll be motivated to beat arguably the best team in the NHL.

The Blackhawk are arguably the best team in the NHL. Corey Crawford is arguably the best goalie in the NHL, right now. Chicago is coming off a loss at Anaheim, and they’ve had four days off. They’re 11-0-1 at home. Chicago actually has a below average power play, but besides that, they’re incredible.

I thought you’d have to pay a premium on the ‘Hawks since they’re so popular, but it looks like the Kings’ Stanley Cup premium is more powerful. The Blackhawks shouldn’t be -133 at home against anyone, and I don’t really understand this line. They’re the better team and they’re at home, and I’m not getting this.

Blackhawks ML (-133), $40 to win $30.08

NBA: Lakers at Warriors (PK) (10:30 p.m., NBATV)

The Warriors are trying to hang onto the sixth spot in the Western Conference, the spot that allows them to have a semblance of a chance against the Nuggets, rather than get steamrolled by the Spurs or Thunder. The Lakers are trying to hang onto their two-game lead in the eight spot, over the choking Jazz. It’s a fairly big game, as far as the regular season goes. It’s Stephen Curry vs. Kobe Bryant, but that probably sounds a lot more appealing than the mediocre basketball that will likely result, in actuality.

The Lakers are still awful on the road, as they proved by losing by 23 to the Suns, as 4-point favorites. But they are actually 4-4 ATS on the road in their last eight games, which spans about a month, in which they’ve actually been a decent-ish team. The Warriors have been good at home, lately.

The fact is, there’s almost always value betting against the Lakers. The public loves them. You can get a decent team, at home, and you don’t have to lay any points. You could argue that this game means more to the Lakers, but this is an important game for the Warriors, too, and everyone gets fired up to beat the Lakers. I think there’s a few points of value on the Warriors.